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As a result of a drug treatment program called DST, my life truly began in May 2010, when I finally broke through to the border of recovery, and began my second journey of recovery. On that very day, I noticed a higher power might have a finer plan for me if I was determined to surrender long enough. I didn’t have the slightest idea recovery from heroin addiction would bring me the life which I couldn't even conceive for myself. Through recovery, I got back my physical health, mental capabilities, and spiritual welfare.
I seriously needed this, for my heroin addiction had crushed me hard and fast. I went from being an excelling Mathematics PhD student and musician from a well educated family to being broken, discouraged, dishonored, ruined; additionally, I was suffering from a bipolar mood disorder disease. After 3 and half years of addiction, when I entered Congress 60 treatment center at age 27, I didn't know what year it was or how old I was. My family had suffered severely from my addiction with no tools to help me.
I started using heroin at 23, when I was a M.S. Student and got a job as a TA at university, and became dependent by 24. Heroin was my only drug of choice, because I wanted something strong enough to make me numb and free of disturbing thoughts. Surprisingly, I was accepted for PhD, yet that was the time when I was a compulsive user. I didn’t attend much of my PhD courses, and after two semesters I didn’t go to university anymore. Addiction quickly left me vulnerable, helpless, poor, and above all, it robbed me of my youth.
I needed help; yet, quitting was the last thing on my mind. All of the "guaranteed treatment” which I knew was failing repeatedly, and the success rate for addiction treatment was embarrassing. I thought to myself: “they all must have been missed something of high importance in treating drug addiction”. I realized that I had an unmanageable force and desire to get high, that I alone, on my own could not stop myself from getting high. I had accepted that all I ever was or would become was a drug addict; Moreover, I had nothing more to offer society. I really wanted to quit drugs, yet I failed over and over again. It was just like waking up every morning and being unable to function as a normal human being without drugs. Frankly speaking, I was unable to even look at myself in the mirror. It was like being humbled and broken enough to ask for help, and being able to receive it.
The guidance I so badly needed arrived when I was forced by my mother to participate in Congress 60’s meetings. I didn't know what my future looked like, but I knew how the past had been, and I didn't think well of it. I was introduced to Congress 60 and learned about the DST method of treatment, yet, I wondered if there was any point to this treatment.
Anyhow, I chose a guide (addiction counselor) and started my treatment--first journey. However, as time passed, I slowly and gradually sensed that there is Hope, a new hope which grew from their new scientific approach to the nature of addiction plus novel medicines. Through the assistance of my guide, I gradually became able to control cravings of my body and soul, fix the physical damages to the brain and psychological conflicts. Now, I understood why all other “guaranteed treatment” are failing one after the other. They all consider drugs as a poison which must be detoxified.
Besides, I witnessed numerous individuals recovered from their addiction, and started a new drug-free life. After spending few months in recovery, I no longer felt helpless or hopeless. DST method of cure has been used by thousands of drug abusers since its introduction on the Iranian scene in 2000, and there are more than two thousands addicts who have been cured by this method thus far. I understood that the "DST" method of curing was not only a tremendous improvement in the treatment rate; it also helped me to turn my understanding of addiction from a shameful habit which destroys lives into a curable illness. I leaned that I can't abandon the disease, I must cure it. The fact of the matter was that I had spent many years to become a hardcore addict and I needed time to fully restore my health and distance myself from drugs. Therefore, the gradual tapering was most suitable for me and my mental conditions.
This has been a long and rough road, with many detours along the path. In fact, it's a never-ending path, calling for constant maintenance. All along the path, their messages were clear and concise, providing me with the knowledge I needed to be successful. Still today, I use these resources, and with no doubt they are the requisites to my recovery. Congress 60s’ comprehensive educational program helps to restore the sense of self-worth. I find it much easier to confront my problems when I do it with a clean conscience. In congress 60, Addiction treatment program is designed to assist individuals through the rest of life after their recovery. I believe that the key points for recovery are honesty, willingness, having support, submission to the DST method, attending meetings, and having an inquiring manner.
Next, it is so important to lead a normal life outside after recovery. While it is crucial to take all suggestions given to me, I have also found that I must be able to socialize like a normal person as well. I haven't met anyone that has been able to stay sober in isolation; in my opinion, it certainly will not work for me. I have to be honest with those in the program. I got back to work and teach mathematics in university and school. My recovery at Congress 60 has taught me that no life is disposable, and everyone deserves the hope of recovery.
All in all, I want Congress 60 to know how highly I value the contribution its members, its staff and Congress 60’s philosophy have made to my recovery. I sincerely feel Congress 60 has shown me a new way to live a life filled with happiness, pleasure, and satisfaction. I thank Congress 60 from the bottom of my heart; I’m forever in debt to Congress 60 for saving my life.
Congress 60’s treatment program teaches responsibility and self-respect. Through transformation of the worldview, addiction treatment has brought me a level of gratification and accomplishment which I never dreamed was possible while using heroin. Most importantly, It was on account of those who believed in me when I had lost faith in myself that I could understand how to give back and to love: my community, my family, and above all, myself.
The love, understanding, and commitment of Congress 60 community helped me learn the knowledge and skills to remold my life, and return to work and education. I don’t want to make it complicated. Nobody gets magically cured. It takes time and work, yet it is more than worth it. It might appear scary or terrifying, but walking through those fears has given me the self esteem which I've never had before. If I can do it, ANYONE can. As long as you are alive, it is NEVER too late.
Written by: Traveler Keyhan - Member of Website team